18 JANUARY 1890, Page 23

Stories of Pets. By Dean 13urgon, Dr. Gordon Stables, and

other writers. (Dean and Son.)—This is a volume of "The Boys' and Girls' Library." Dean Burgon's contribution is a copy of humorous verses about some cats. Some of the dog-stories are very good ; the little history of 'Frolic' is particularly interesting; our faith in its truth is confirmed by the melancholy end which the writer feels it to be his duty to add. But why spoil the effect

of truthfulness—a great matter in stories of this kind—by such a romance as "The Many Tricks of Master Monkey "P It is very amusing in its way, but it is out of place in this particular book.